The Christmas Day showcase for the defending NBA champions this year featured one of the few teams to actually beat them this season, and still the Thunder remain winless against them.

The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 117-102 on the road to hand a lump of coal to the home crowd on Christmas.

The Spurs haven’t just beaten the Thunder this year, they’ve throughly dominated them, and have won every matchup the two teams have had this year. Three of Oklahoma City’s five losses have come against these Spurs, which has to have Thunder fans shaking in their boots.

Oklahoma City suffered its second largest loss of the season – a 15-point defeat at the hands of the Spurs – who handed the Thunder their largest loss of the year just two days prior.

Despite Victor Wembanyama coming off the bench in this game as well, the big man still had a massive impact, recording 19 points and 11 rebounds. De’Aaron Fox led all scorers with 29 points, while Harrison Barnes continued to provide veteran aggressiveness in a showdown between two of the youngest teams in the league. Barnes added 15 points of his own, giving him 35 over the team’s last two games against OKC.

Here’s what happened during the NBA’s Christmas Day game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs:

Spurs vs. Thunder highlights

Spurs vs Thunder final player stats

Spurs scoring leaders

• De’Aaron Fox 29 points, Stephon Castle 19 points, Victor Wembanyama 19 points

Spurs rebound leaders

• Victor Wembanyama 11, Keldon Johnson 7

Thunder scoring leaders

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 22 points, Isaiah Hartenstein 12 points, Alex Caruso 12 points

Thunder rebound leaders

• Isaiah Hartenstein 12, Chet Holmgren 12

Spurs vs Thunder final team stats

• FG%: Spurs 54%, Thunder 39%
• 3PT%: Spurs 38%, Thunder 28%
• FT%: Spurs 76%, Thunder 68%
• Rebounds: Spurs 49, Thunder 48
• Assists: Thunder 23, Spurs 20
• Turnovers: Thunder 7, Spurs 12
• Steals: Thunder 7, Spurs 3
• Blocks: Thunder 6, Spurs 4

FINAL: Spurs 117, Thunder 102

The San Antonio Spurs (23-7) scored their third consecutive victory against the reigning NBA champions this season and moved to just 2.5 games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder (26-5) at the top of the Western Conference standings.

Thunder hot to start fourth

Less than two-and-a-half minutes into the fourth, the Thunder have found a groove. The reigning champs have rattled off six straight points to begin the quarter, and have been gathering offensive rebounds as well to reduce San Antonio’s lead to just 10 points.

The Thunder were so dominant in that short stretch that the Spurs were forced to use a timeout. Hopefully that small break will be enough to shift the momentum back in the Spurs’ favor.

End Q3: Spurs 95, Thunder 79

The San Antonio Spurs continued to take advantage of OKC’s offensive woes. The Thunder really struggled with the three-ball in the third quarter, particularly Alex Caruso who finally hit his first field goal of the afternoon with just over a minute left in the quarter.

The Spurs have dominated pace of play, forcing several bad shots from OKC and not letting the Thunder get away with committing offensive fouls. The Spurs find themselves up 16 heading into the final quarter. De’Aaron Fox leads all scorers with 25.

Spurs take advantage of OKC offensive struggles

On three of OKC’s last four offensive possessions, the Thunder have turned the ball over due to offensive fouls. Jalen Williams committed two of them, with Isaiah Hartenstein committing the final foul.

The only other possession in that span wasn’t much prettier, requiring two offensive rebounds by Hartenstein before Williams could cap the possession off with a midrange floater.

San Antonio has taken advantage of these offensive flubs, extending their lead to 17. Spurs lead 85-68.

Spurs vs. Thunder halftime stats

• FG%: Spurs 61.4, Thunder 47.9
• FT%: Spurs 61.5, Thunder 57.1
• 3PT%: Spurs 43.8, Thunder 33.3
• Rebounds: Spurs 25, Thunder 29
• Assists: Spurs 12, Thunder 12
• Turnovers: Spurs 6, Thunder 4
• Blocks: Spurs 3, Thunder 1

End Q2: Spurs 69, Thunder 60

After a solid first quarter, one that ended with an 11-0 San Antonio run, the Spurs have built a solid lead headed into halftime.

Oklahoma City’s shooting cooled in the second period, and the defensive impact Victor Wembanyama created can’t be overlooked. Though he recorded just 1 block in the quarter, Wembanyama’s presence down low constantly affected the shots the Thunder tried to take in the paint and near the rim.

That was compounded by Oklahoma City’s inefficient shooting from downtown in the period; the Thunder made just two of their eight 3-point shot attempts in the second. This is the issue when playing the Spurs: when scoring in the low block becomes difficult, making perimeter shots becomes essential.

Thunder guard Alex Caruso, in particular, has struggled from deep, failing to hit any of his eight shots from 3-point range.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander spent a chunk of the period on the bench, but he has been the most consistent OKC player, scoring 16 points.

De’Aaron Fox continues to lead the Spurs in scoring with 21 points. Stephon Castle has added 13 points and 4 assists. Victor Wembanyama has added 9 points and 6 rebounds.

End Q1: Spurs 41, Thunder 36

After a thrilling finish in the first Christmas Day game, the Spurs and Thunder picked things right up in the second leg of the slate, though it was the Spurs who ended the period on an 11-0 run.

Both teams played quick and loose, which allowed consistent shot-making to follow; both teams combined to shoot a ridiculous 30-of-48 (62.5%) from the floor in the first period.

The numbers were also impressive from beyond the arc: (9-of-18; 50%).

Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox set the tone early and knocked down 5-of-6 shots to lead all players with 13 points. Fellow Spurs guard Stephon Castle added 9 points.

Victor Wembanyama (calf strain) came off the bench as San Antonio continues to manage his minutes  and played 4:08 in the first period, scoring 5 points and collecting 1 rebound. He was active and physical and appeared to frustrate OKC players.

The Thunder were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, each of whom had 9 points.

Is Victor Wembanyama playing vs Thunder

Spurs star Victor Wembanyama is not starting San Antonio’s Christmas Day contest, but he’s available to come off the bench. The team has made it clear they’re managing his minutes since he strained his left calf on Dec. 13.

Jalen Williams off to fast start

Thunder guard Jalen Williams has made all three of his shot attempts in the early going as the Thunder have jumped out to an 18-12 lead with 8:10 to go in the first quarter.

OKC is currently on a 10-2 run.

What time is Spurs vs. Thunder Christmas game today?

The Oklahoma City Thunder will host the San Antonio Spurs in one of five NBA on Christmas games on Thursday, Dec. 25 at 2:30 p.m. ET. The game will take place at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Watch NBA Christmas games with Fubo

How to watch Spurs vs. Thunder NBA Christmas game: TV, live streaming

The game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs will be broadcast nationally on ABC and ESPN and can be live streamed via Fubo.

• Date: Dec. 25, 2025
• Time: 2:30 p.m. ET
• Location: Paycom Center (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
• TV: ABC, ESPN
• Streaming: ESPN Unlimited, Fubo

Spurs vs. Thunder odds

The Oklahoma City Thunder are favored to beat the San Antonio Spurs, according to DraftKings odds as of Dec. 24.

• Line: Thunder -9.5
• Over/under: 232.5

Spurs starting lineup

The Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings are locked in a defensive battle on Christmas from Minneapolis.

The teams were tied 7-7 after two quarters of action, leaving NFL fans to enjoy some fireworks at halftime courtesy of Snoop Dogg.

The iconic hip-hop artist headlined ‘Snoop Dogg’s Holiday Halftime Party’ from U.S. Bank Stadium after the first half of Lions-Vikings. His longtime friend, Martha Stewart, introduced the show before the broadcast feed cut to midfield with Snoop Dogg at midfield.

He led the show solo before bringing out a host of guests and personalities onto the field. It was a mix of Christmas classics in addition to some of the top songs from the Grammy Award nominees’ extensive catalog.

Here’s a recap and reaction from Snoop Dogg’s halftime show:

Snoop Dogg halftime guests

Here’s who appeared on the broadcast during the halftime show:

• Martha Stewart
• K-Pop Demon Hunters
• Lainey Wilson
• Andrea and Matteo Bocelli

Snoop Dogg halftime reactions

Snoop Dogg’s halftime show earned rave reviews from many on X.

Andrea and Matteo Bocelli’s appearance to sing ‘White Christmas’ was the final surprise of the show and delighted many viewers.

In what was a thrilling game of runs, it was the New York Knicks who prevailed.

After facing a 17-point deficit with a little more than 10 minutes to play, the Knicks toppled the Cleveland Cavaliers, 126-124, on Thursday, Dec. 25 in the thrilling first leg of the five-game Christmas slate.

New York got massive contributions from key role players down the stretch such as Tyler Kolek (16 points, 9 assists) and Jordan Clarkson (25 points), but it was Jalen Brunson’s 34 points that helped the Knicks pull away.

Nonetheless, it was a team effort; during a stretch that started at 2:27 left in the fourth, five different Knicks made field goals.

The 17-point comeback marks New York’s biggest come-from-behind victory of the 2025-26 season.

The Cavaliers (17-15) went cold late in the game, shooting just 9-of-27 in the fourth quarter. Donovan Mitchell tried to will the Cavs back and led the team with 34 points.

The Cavs had been 13-0 this year when holding a lead entering the fourth quarter.

The Knicks had six players reach double figures in scoring.

Knicks vs. Cavaliers highlights

Knicks vs Cavaliers final player stats

Knicks scoring leaders

• Jalen Brunson 34 points, Jordan Clarkson 25 points, Tyler Kolek 16 points

Knicks rebound leaders

• Karl-Anthony Towns 14, Mitchell Robinson 13

Cavaliers scoring leaders

• Donovan Mitchell 34 points, Darius Garland 20 points, Jaylon Tyson 16 points

Cavaliers rebound leaders

• Evan Mobley 9, Jarrett Allen 8

Knicks vs Cavaliers final team stats

• FG%: Cavaliers 52%, Knicks 47%
• 3PT%: Knicks 48%, Cavaliers 44%
• FT%: Cavaliers 83%, Knicks 77%
• Rebounds: Cavaliers 45, Knicks 43
• Assists: Cavaliers 30, Knicks 28
• Turnovers: Knicks 13, Cavaliers 14
• Steals: Knicks 9, Cavaliers 7
• Blocks: Knicks 4, Cavaliers 0

Cavaliers vs. Knicks going down as thrilling finish

Down the stretch, a Donovan Mitchell missed 3 led to a Mikal Bridges pullup jumper, which led to a Darius Garland scoop, which led to a Jalen Brunson 3-point bucket.

All in all, the lead changed three times on consecutive possessions.

The Knicks lead 121-119 with 55.3 seconds left to play.

Knicks tie game, as action heats up

With a Jalen Brunson step-back 3, the Knicks tied the game at 113, before ceding four straight Cavs points.

The first time, Donovan Mitchell was fouled after stealing the ball near midcourt. He hit both free throws and then Evan Mobley put back a missed shot.

Tyler Kolek then responded with a 3 to close the game to 117-116, in favor of the Cavs.

Knicks closing the deficit

The Knicks are making it interesting down the stretch.

After trailing by 17 points early in the fourth quarter, New York has charged back to make it a three-point game with 4:31 left to play.

Backup guard Tyler Kolek drained a pair of 3s and then hit a 21-foot jumper to reach 13 points off the bench. Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson, seeing his team ceding momentum, called a timeout.

The Cavaliers are up 111-108.

Josh Hart injured

Knicks forward Josh Hart limped off the floor midway through the fourth quarter with an apparent lower leg injury. The injury happened with 7:43 left in the game, after Hart appeared to roll his ankle when he was fouled on a drive to the basket.

Hart drained both free throws, but then limped straight to the locker room.

End Q3: Cavaliers 89, Knicks 78

The Knicks, when they needed it most, went ice cold.

New York shot just 6-of-21 (28.6%) from the floor in the third quarter, though the cold spell came midway through the period.

Early in the third, the Knicks and Cavaliers settled into their offensive and defensive sets, with the action being more competitive. The back-and-forth pace led to teams exchanging leads. The Cavaliers, however, launched a 9-0 run midway through the period to pull ahead and build a moderate lead into the fourth.

The Cavaliers have done an excellent job outhustling New York on the glass, gaining a six-rebound edge.

Jalen Brunson has struggled from the floor, shooting just 6-of-17 (35.3%), though he leads all New York players with 21 points.

The Cavaliers have had a far more balanced approach to offense, with six players in double-figures. Donovan Mitchell leads all Cavs with 19 and Darius Garland is just behind him with 18.

Most consecutive NBA games played

Since he was selected 10^th overall in the 2018 draft, Knicks forward Mikal Bridges has played in each game across his seven seasons, with his current mark at 586.

Knicks vs Cavaliers predictions

• Scooby Axson: Knicks 121, Cavaliers 118
• Mark Giannotto: Knicks 119, Cavaliers 110
• Jon Hoefling: Knicks 124, Cavaliers 111
• Lorenzo Reyes: Knicks 130, Cavaliers 101
• James Williams: Knicks 117, Cavaliers 113

Cavaliers vs Knicks player stats at halftime

Cavaliers leading scorers

• Darius Garland 13 points, Donovan Mitchell 12 points

Cavaliers leading rebounders

• Donovan Mitchell 4, Sam Merrill 3, Evan Mobley 3

Knicks leading scorers

• Jalen Brunson 14 points, Jordan Clarkson 14 points

Knicks leading rebounders

• Karl-Anthony Towns 6, Josh Hart 4

Cavaliers vs Knicks halftime stats

• FG%: Cavaliers 56, Knicks 50
• FT%: Knicks 80, Cavaliers 75
• 3PT%: Cavaliers 50, Knicks 45
• Rebounds: 18-18
• Assists: Knicks 15, Cavaliers 14
• Turnovers: Knicks 7, Cavaliers 9
• Blocks: Knicks 2, Cavaliers 0

End Q2: Knicks 60, Cavaliers 58

The most impressive part about New York’s 18-0 run to start the second quarter was that it came entirely with Jalen Brunson on the bench.

The Knicks spread the ball and relied on Karl-Anthony Towns to drive the ball and open up the offense for kickouts and open looks. The bigger problem for the Cavs was that their offense was completely interrupted by repeated turnovers early in the second. That allowed New York to get fastbreak points in transition, and it limited the chances Cleveland had to put up shots.

New York outscored Cleveland 37-20 in the period, but the Cavs would settle after they sprinkled in zone defense to slow the Knicks down.

New York shot 14-of-22 (63.6%) in the quarter, while the Cavaliers took five fewer attempts from the field because of the turnovers. Cleveland shot 7-of-17 (41.2%) in the second.

Jalen Brunson and Jordan Clarkson lead all players with 14 points.

Darius Garland leads the Cavs with 13.

Knicks take lead with run in 2nd quarter

It turns out, the Knicks just needed a quarter to warm up.

New York started the second period with far more pace and intensity and outscored Cleveland 22-3 in the early minutes, including a 16-0 run to take a lead at 45-41. Turnovers have become a problem for the Cavaliers, as the Knicks are pressuring the ball and getting out in transition to change the tenor of the game.

End Q1: Cavaliers 38, Knicks 23

Christmas started a little late for the Knicks.

New York opened the game just 1-of-10 and missed its first six 3-point shots, falling into an early 18-3 hole. The Cavaliers, meanwhile, started hot, making five of their first seven attempts.

The Knicks would get back into it somewhat, but it was Cleveland’s defense that set the tone. The Cavaliers did an excellent job of stopping New York’s first few offensive actions and forcing the Knicks to play deep into the shot clock. That resulted in rushed shots and disjointed offense, overall.

The Cavaliers shot a blazing 13-of-19 (68.4%) from the floor in the period, including 6-of-11 from beyond the arc.

Just two minutes into the game, Karl-Anthony Towns drew a pair of fouls that forced coach Mike Brown to pull him after just 2:44. This has been an issue throughout Towns’ career, but particularly this season.

Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell led all players in the first quarter with 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting. Darius Garland added 9 points, while Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 10 points on 4-of-10 shooting.

Cavaliers vs. Knicks gets underway

Before a single point was scored Thursday, the game was briefly halted because of a mistimed confetti drop. Just one minute into the game, some very festive red confetti fell to the floor, causing support staff at Madison Square Garden to clean it up.

The stoppage was brief and play resumed, but, either way, action is underway at the Garden.

It wasn’t a great start for the Knicks. Karl-Anthony Towns drew a pair of early fouls and coach Mike Brown called a timeout after he was displeased with his team’s performance, falling into an early 5-0 hole.

Knicks head coach 2025

The Knicks hired Mike Brown as their head coach July 4 after they fired former coach Tom Thibodeaux in June.

What time is Cavaliers vs Knicks Christmas game today?

Tip-off is scheduled for noon ET on Dec. 25 for the Cleveland Cavaliers clash with the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Watch NBA Christmas games with Fubo

How to watch Cavaliers vs Knicks NBA Christmas game: TV, live streaming

The game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks will be broadcast nationally on ABC and ESPN and can be live streamed via Fubo.

• Date: Dec. 25, 2025
• Time: Noon ET
• Location: Madison Square Garden (New York)
• TV: ABC, ESPN, ESPN2
• Streaming: Disney+, Fubo

NBA starting lineups

The Knicks and Cavaliers have released their starting lineups ahead of their Christmas Day game:

Cleveland Cavaliers

• Darius Garland
• Donovan Mitchell
• Sam Merrill
• Dean Wade
• Jarrett Allen

New York Knicks

• Jalen Brunson
• OG Anunoby
• Mikal Bridges
• Josh Hart
• Karl-Anthony Towns

Is Evan Mobley playing today?

After missing five games with a Grade 1 left calf strain, Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley will make his return to the floor against the Knicks.

Cleveland officially listed Mobley, last season’s Defensive Player of the Year, as available on the injury report prior to the game. Mobley will come off the bench.

Knicks record on Christmas Day

No team has played more Christmas Day games in NBA history than the New York Knicks, who, interestingly, are well below .500 on Dec. 25, with a record of 25-32.

Cleveland’s mark on Christmas, meanwhile, is an even 7-7.

Cavaliers vs. Knicks odds

The New York Knicks are favored to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers according to the DraftKings odds as of Dec. 24.

• Line: Knicks -5.5
• Over/under: 239.5

Anthony Davis was forced from the Dallas Mavericks’ Christmas Day game against the Golden State Warriors due to a groin injury.

The Mavericks were moving upcourt during the second quarter when the ball flew in Davis’ direction. But Davis, out in front of the Golden State defense, wasn’t looking. Instead, he headed straight towards the Dallas bench and appeared to be in discomfort.

He was immediately subbed out after the turnover and was seen on the broadcast trying to stretch on the bench. According to Grant Afseth, a reporter on the scene, Davis received treatment on the bench throughout a timeout before heading back to the locker room.

Coming out of halftime, the Mavericks said Davis’ night was over. The official diagnosis was ‘right groin spasms.’

ESPN’s Malika Andrews reported that Davis was being held out, out of an ‘abundance of caution.’ Mavericks coach Jason Kidd did not have any further updates for reporters after the game.

Davis had 3 points on 1-for-4 shooting with 3 rebounds, 2 blocks and a steal in 11 minutes before exiting. The Warriors led 71-58 at halftime.

This story has been updated with new information.

The world junior hockey championship has hit 50 years of showcasing the best young hockey players around the world.

The International Ice Hockey Federation’s tournament for under-20 players features NHL draft picks and players who are expected to be taken early in the 2026 NHL Draft.

The USA is hosting this year’s tournament in Saint Paul, Minnesota and Minneapolis from Dec. 26 through Jan. 5. The Americans are two-time defending champions.

Here are five players to watch:

Gavin McKenna, Canada

McKenna for years had been considered the top prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft, but he has dropped a little because he hasn’t been as dominant at Penn State as he was in the Western Hockey League. He played in the world juniors last year at 17, scoring a goal. He’ll boost his draft standing if he has a strong tournament.

Cole Hutson, USA

The Boston University defenseman led all players last year with 11 points and will be a key to the Americans’ chances for a three-peat. He’s averaging more than a point a game in college. His older brother Lane, was the 2024-25 NHL rookie of the year with the Montreal Canadiens.

Ivar Stenberg, Sweden

The forward is projected to go No. 1 overall in 2026. He has 24 points in 25 games with Frolunda in the Swedish league. Stenberg scored a goal in an exhibition win against Canada.

Petteri Rimpinen, Finland

He was the top goaltender of the 2025 tournament as Finland won a silver medal. He played every minute and had a .933 save percentage. He beat the USA in the preliminary round and although the Americans rallied to win the gold medal game in overtime, Rimpinen finished with 36 saves. He’ll be wearing some impressive goalie pads at this tournament.

Adam Novotny, Czechia

Czechia enters the tournament with three consecutive medals (a 2023 silver and two bronzes). Novotny, who’s eligible for the 2026 draft, has 35 points in 29 games as a rookie in the Ontario Hockey League.

Happy Holidays – the penultimate week of the 2025 NFL regular season is upon us. However you might not exactly enjoy what’s underneath the tree on Christmas – the Yuletide’s three streaming contests (Cowboys-Commanders, Lions-Vikings and Broncos-Chiefs) not exactly crackling with compelling subplots or playoff implications despite their intra-divisional pairings.

Saturday’s couplet is a bit more compelling, Texans-Chargers a rematch from last season’s playoffs and potentially a preview of what goes down next month. The Green Bay Packers host the Baltimore Ravens in the night game – both squads residing on the edge of wild-card contention, Baltimore requiring a win to simply survive mathematically into Sunday.

Sunday afternoon isn’t exactly loaded with must-see football, either, though several teams will be jockeying for seeding or trying to stay alive. Cleveland Browns DE Myles Garrett could set the single-season sack record against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who could clinch the AFC North crown … unless the Ravens do that for them by losing Saturday. Eagles-Bills and Bears-49ers look good on paper, the latter – which is the ‘Sunday Night Football’ offering – bound to have significant impact on who gets the NFC’s No. 1 seed, which comes with a first-round bye and home-field advantage.

Yet, believe it or not, the most important game of Week 17 might be the one in Sin City, where the Las Vegas Raiders will host the New York Giants – they share a league-worst 2-13 record – in the game that could determine who picks atop the 2026 draft.

The recently revitalized Atlanta Falcons host the LA Rams on Monday.

How does the docket unfold? USA TODAY Sports’ panel of NFL experts weighs in with their picks:

(Odds provided by BetMGM)

Week 17 picks, predictions, odds

• Cowboys at Commanders
• Lions at Vikings
• Broncos at Chiefs
• Texans at Chargers
• Ravens at Packers
• Seahawks at Panthers
• Jaguars at Colts
• Saints at Titans
• Cardinals at Bengals
• Steelers at Browns
• Patriots at Jets
• Buccaneers at Dolphins
• Giants at Raiders
• Eagles at Bills
• Bears at 49ers
• Rams at Falcons

AI-assisted summary
• The NFL’s 2025 Christmas Day tripleheader features matchups that have lost their initial appeal due to injuries.
• Multiple teams will be starting backup or third-string quarterbacks, including the Kansas City Chiefs and Washington Commanders.
• The Denver Broncos are pursuing the AFC’s top seed, while the Detroit Lions are fighting for their slim postseason hopes.
• Netflix will stream the first two games, with the third airing on Prime Video.

No presents under the tree for the NFL schedule makers this year – not that it’s necessarily their fault the trio of 2025 Christmas Day games scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 25, lack significant juice.

Instead of trinkets in stockings, we’ll all have to settle for a healthy helping of Chris Oladokun – the Kansas City Chiefs’ starting quarterback in the nightcap against the Denver Broncos – with a side of egg nog (or coquito, if you really know what’s up).

Might as well be coal.  

The NFL took the NBA’s lunch money by commandeering Christmas Day. “The Association” had dominated the sports programming on the holiday day until the league realized its position as a ratings juggernaut could drub any entity in its path. The NFL received $150 million from Netflix to stream the first two games of the day, before the third airs on the traditional Thursday night streamer of Prime Video. But the matchups look less appealing than the lumpy casserole the in-laws brought for dinner. 

In May, when the NFL released its schedule, all three matchups imbued intrigue. But 16 weeks of ball and platitudes such as “best laid plans…” later, that’s simply not the case entering Week 17. Not even the NFL is immune to bad luck, apparently.

Oladokun isn’t the only third-stringer pressed into action on Christmas. In the first game (1 p.m. ET), the Dallas Cowboys – already eliminated from the playoffs – will face Josh Johnson and the Washington Commanders, with quarterbacks Jayden Daniels shut down for the season and Marcus Mariota unavailable. This Commanders team playing one last standalone game is a win for all NFL fans. 

In the second game between the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions, not much is at stake. The Lions can keep their slim postseason hopes alive with a win. Max Brosmer, an undrafted rookie who’s had mixed results through two extended appearances (including that disastrous 26-0 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in his first career start), gets another start at quarterback for the Vikings against a Lions’ defense that has regressed while constantly losing players to injuries.  

The Broncos are in pursuit of the AFC’s No. 1 seed, and a victory would go a long way in that endeavor, along with putting them one step closer to winning the AFC West (they would need a Los Angeles Chargers’ loss on Dec. 27 to complete that task). That Denver defense against a third-string QB? With a fanbase that probably doesn’t take too kindly to the recent news of the stadium move from Missouri to Kansas? Yikes.  

Oladokun, a seventh-round pick in 2022 by the Pittsburgh Steelers, will make his first NFL start. The 22-year-old is next man up after Patrick Mahomes’ season-ending knee injury and backup Gardner Minshew leaving the Chiefs’ loss to the lowly Tennessee Titans on Dec. 21 as well. 

A classic Christmas Miracle isn’t out of the realm of possibility, but miracles are deemed such for a reason. They’re unlikely. 

Both games on Netflix in 2024 averaged 30 million viewers, with action peaking around Beyonce’s halftime performance of the second game between the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans (the first featured the Steelers and Chiefs). 

The Thanksgiving Day viewership victory, with Chiefs-Cowboys pulling in a record 57 million viewers, will soothe any potential shortcomings. Both teams playing on the next major holiday is no accident.

For the NFL, not every holiday weekend can be as fortuitous as this past Thanksgiving. The bottom line, the main priority always, won’t be affected. But maybe our viewing habits at home will be this Christmas.

It’s Christmas Eve! We’re less than 24 hours away from a terrific slate of NBA games.

The NBA is known for bringing holiday cheer with tremendous matchups on Christmas Day. This year is no different, with young stars like Victor Wembanyama and Cooper Flagg playing in Thursday’s contests, as well as superstars like Stephen Curry, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic and many more.

Here’s everything to know for the NBA on Christmas Day 2025.

NBA scores for Christmas games

Results will be updated when each game is complete.

• Knicks 126, Cavaliers 124
• Spurs vs. Thunder
• Mavericks vs. Warriors
• Rockets vs. Lakers
• Timberwolves vs. Nuggets

How to watch the NBA on Christmas 2025

Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks

• Time: Noon ET
• Where: Madison Square Garden (New York)
• TV: ABC, ESPN, ESPN2
• Stream: Disney+, Fubo

San Antonio Spurs at Oklahoma City Thunder

• Time: 2:30 p.m. ET
• Where: Paycom Center (Oklahoma City)
• TV: ABC, ESPN
• Stream: Fubo

Dallas Mavericks at Golden State Warriors

• Time: 5 p.m. ET
• Where: Chase Center (San Francisco)
• TV: ABC, ESPN
• Stream: Fubo

Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Lakers

• Time: 8 p.m. ET
• Where: Crypto.com Arena (Los Angeles)
• TV: ABC, ESPN
• Stream: Fubo

Minnesota Timberwolves at Denver Nuggets

• Time: 10:30 p.m. ET
• Where: Ball Arena (Denver)
• TV: ABC, ESPN
• Stream: Fubo

Stream the NBA on Christmas Day with a Fubo subscription

Former championship-winning teammates will once again reunite in the San Francisco Bay Area during the NBA’s slate of Christmas Day games.

Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and the Golden State Warriors will welcome Klay Thompson and the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday, Dec. 25 as part of the league’s annual five-game Christmas Day schedule. It will be the first time since 2018 that all three suited up on the same court and played on Christmas Day together. Now, they’ll meet as rivals seven years later.

It’s the Warriors first matchup of the season against the Mavericks (12-19), who are coming off of a 131-130 win against the Denver Nuggets on Dec. 23 behind a game-high 33 points from rookie standout Cooper Flagg. He averages 19.2 points and 6.4 rebounds per game – second amongst first-year players in both categories – and sits atop the USA TODAY NBA rookie rankings. Dallas is led by center Anthony Davis, who averages a team-high 21.7 points, 11.4 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game.

This Christmas game for Curry is the 12th of his career. He tied the record with James Harden for most three pointers made in a Christmas game, hitting eight in 2024 against the Los Angeles Lakers. He also set the record for most points (17) in the fourth quarter on Christmas.

Golden State (15-15) enters the holiday jamboree winners of back-to-back games vs. the Orlando Magic and Phoenix Suns. They look to go above .500 for the first time since Dec. 7 and finish the remainder of the strong.

Here’s how to watch the NBA’s Christmas Day game between the Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks:

What time is Warriors vs. Mavericks Christmas game today?

The Golden State Warriors will host the Dallas Mavericks in one of five NBA on Christmas games on Thursday, Dec. 25 at 5 p.m. ET (2 p.m. local). The game will take place at the Chase Center in San Francisco.

Watch NBA Christmas games with Fubo

How to watch Warriors vs. Mavericks NBA Christmas game: TV, live streaming

The game between the Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks will be broadcast nationally on ABC and ESPN and can be live streamed on Fubo.

• Date: Dec. 25, 2025
• Time: 5 p.m. ET (2 p.m. local)
• Location: Chase Center (San Francisco)
• TV: ABC, ESPN
• Streaming: ESPN Unlimited, Fubo

Mavericks vs. Warriors odds

The Golden State Warriors are favored against the Dallas Mavericks according to DraftKings odds as of afternoon of Dec. 25.

• Line: Warriors -8.5
• Over/under: 230.5

Mavericks vs. Warriors predictions

USA TODAY NBA experts pick the winner of today’s game:

• Scooby Axson: Mavericks 115, Warriors 110
• Mark Giannotto: Mavericks 120, Warriors 118
• Jon Hoefling: Warriors 125, Mavericks 123
• Lorenzo Reyes: Mavericks 106, Warriors 98
• James Williams: Warriors 115, Mavericks 113

No holiday gift guide needed for the NFL. The league knew exactly what to get its fans: more football games to watch during the holidays.

Exactly four weeks after a Thanksgiving triple-header, the NFL is putting on a triple-header of Christmas Day games in 2025. It’s the third time in the last four years that there will be three pro football games on Dec. 25, with last year’s Wednesday double-header standing as the lone exception.

Three games mean six teams facing off on the holiday this year. Here’s which teams are playing on Christmas in 2025 and how to watch each game:

NFL Christmas games

There are three games kicking off throughout the day on Christmas this year. Here’s which teams are playing and when each game starts:

All times Eastern.

• Dallas Cowboys at Washington Commanders: 1 p.m.
• Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings: 4:30 p.m.
• Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs: 8:20 p.m.

Where to watch NFL Christmas games

All times Eastern.

• Live stream:
  • Cowboys at Commanders: Netflix, 1 p.m.
  • Lions at Vikings: Netflix, 4:30 p.m.
  • Broncos at Chiefs: Amazon Prime Video, 8:20 p.m.

Only fans living in the local markets of the six teams playing on Christmas will be able to watch one of the games on cable television.

Here’s where those fans can tune in on Dec. 25:

• TV channels:
  • Dallas: KTVT (CBS Channel 11)
  • Washington, DC: WUSA (CBS Channel 9)
  • Detroit: WWJ-TV (CBS 62 in Detroit)
  • Minneapolis/St. Paul: WCCO-CBS
  • Denver: KMGH (ABC Denver7)
  • Kansas City: KSHB (NBC Channel 41)

NFL fans living in the U.S. will be able to live stream all three games on Christmas, provided they have subscriptions to Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

Netflix will stream both of the early games live on Christmas.

NFL fans in the United States outside of the competing teams’ markets will need to sign into their Netflix account – or subscribe to the streaming service – to watch. Both matchups will be available with any Netflix plan.

After the early games, fans will need to switch over to Amazon Prime Video, the same streaming service that owns rights to ‘Thursday Night Football.’ The Chiefs vs. Broncos game will kick off in the prime-time slot on Christmas Day.

The NFL will also stream the three games on its premium subscription service, NFL+, on mobile devices.

Commanders vs. Cowboys on Christmas

• Matchup: Dallas Cowboys at Washington Commanders
• Location: Landover, Maryland
• Venue: Northwest Stadium
• Time: 1 p.m. ET

The first matchup of the day is a divisional clash between two teams already eliminated from playoff contention. The Cowboys and Commanders have nothing to play for besides pride and draft position in their second head-to-head meeting of the year. Dallas won the first matchup at home, 44-22, on Oct. 19.

Vikings vs. Lions on Christmas

• Matchup: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings
• Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Venue: U.S. Bank Stadium
• Time: 4:30 p.m. ET

The latter two Christmas clashes are also both divisional matchups. The mid-afternoon game is the second and final game on Netflix on the holiday, and it features a Lions team fighting for its playoff life visiting a Vikings squad that has already been eliminated from contention.

Chiefs vs. Broncos on Christmas

• Matchup: Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs
• Location: Kansas City, Missouri
• Venue: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium
• Time: 8:20 p.m. ET

If, before the season, one heard that the final Christmas game would include a team fighting for the AFC’s No. 1 seed and another that had already be eliminated, one might expect the Chiefs to be the former and the Broncos to be the latter. Instead, it’s the opposite. Denver can clinch the top spot in the AFC with a win over the reigning AFC champions on Christmas.

NFL playoff picture

Here’s how the AFC and NFC stack up entering Week 17:

AFC

1. Denver Broncos (12-3; AFC West leaders)*
2. New England Patriots (12-3; AFC East leaders)*
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (11-4; AFC South leaders)
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6; AFC North leaders)
5. Los Angeles Chargers (11-4; wild card No. 1)
6. Buffalo Bills (11-4; wild card No. 2)
7. Houston Texans (10-5; wild card No. 3)

In the hunt: Indianapolis Colts (8-7); Baltimore Ravens (7-8)

* Denotes team that has clinched a playoff berth.

Eliminated: Kansas City Chiefs (6-9); Miami Dolphins (6-9); Cincinnati Bengals (5-10); New York Jets (3-12); Cleveland Browns (3-12); Tennessee Titans (3-12); Las Vegas Raiders (2-13)

NFC

1. Seattle Seahawks (12-3; NFC West leaders)*
2. Chicago Bears (11-4; NFC North leaders)*
3. Philadelphia Eagles (10-5; NFC East leaders)*
4. Carolina Panthers (8-7; NFC South leaders)
5. Los Angeles Rams (11-4; wild card No. 1)*
6. San Francisco 49ers (10-4; wild card No. 2)*
7. Green Bay Packers (9-5-1; wild card No. 3)

In the hunt: Detroit Lions (8-7); Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-8)

Asterisk (*) denotes teams that have clinched a playoff berth.

Eliminated: Minnesota Vikings (7-8); Dallas Cowboys (6-8-1); Atlanta Falcons (6-9); New Orleans Saints (5-10); Washington Commanders (4-11); Arizona Cardinals (3-12); New York Giants (2-13)